Nature always has a way of creating things for us to sit back and enjoy. Of all things, this is probably one of her most special treats for our enjoyment. Some real eye candy here.
Desert Roses
Photo credit: geologyin.com
No, these aren’t petrified roses. Instead, they are made of crystal.
Found in dry, sandy areas such as the Sahara Desert, the “roses” are formed from disks of gypsum or baryte crystals stacked together over tens or hundreds of years to resemble the petals of a flower.
The crystals form when water evaporates and are shaped like flat plates that can measure up to 1 meter (3.3 ft) across. Clusters of desert roses may be found together, giving the appearance of a sandy bouquet. The largest single rose was 25 centimeters (10 in) high and weighed 57 kilograms (125 lb), while the largest cluster tipped the scales at 454 kilograms (1,000 lb).
With their beauty and unnatural appearance, it’s no wonder that they are sought after as prized specimens for collections.
These little things are really quite heavy for their size. They are pretty though. Nature takes a while to build on of these clusters and even a single rose. I'd say She has it down pat!
Coffee in the kitchen once again.
